Science Museum disability claim filed by security guard

After the Science Museum of London failed to provide her with an appropriate chair for work, a security guard filed a claim against the museum.

Malina Nowicka, a kidney cancer survivor, suffers chronic health issues including lower back pain as well as a fainting disorder known by the name vasovagal sycope. She is unable to stand for extended periods of time.

The museum has stools for staff to sit on in the exhibit rooms, but Nowicka requires a chair that she can use during her shift.

Wilson James, the company she works for, has allegedly refused to provide her with a chair. A report on occupational health concluded that she was fit for work but needed a chair which had an arm and back. This chair has not yet been provided.

United Voices of the World, a union, supports Nowicka in bringing a lawsuit against the museum and Wilson James. The case will be heard on July 20, 2025. The claim involves disability discrimination.

UVW has already been in a dispute with Wilson James about pay and conditions of its security guards working at the Science, Natural History, and Victoria & Albert Museums. Last month, its members voted for a three-day strike.

Nowicka stated in an interview with The Guardian: “I’ve never filed a lawsuit before.” I am not only doing this for me, but also for other people with disabilities.

“I’ve decided that I will go public in order to encourage other people with disabilities to fight their rights. I love my work but I do not want other people to experience what I have in the past few years.

I’ve struggled a lot and the treatment from my employers has caused me to be depressed. It has also affected my mental health. “Nobody should be treated unfairly at work because of their race, religion or disability.”

Wilson James’ spokesperson told the newspaper that they were aware of this individual’s circumstances and were committed to working together with all parties in order to reach a resolution.

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